“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” – Pablo Picasso

I have always found myself sketching, painting, recreating on paper what I see around me.  I was so excited when my mother said I could take a watercolor class when I was 13 years old.

I learned how to copy greeting cards.  I didn’t know any better.  I thought that was art.  I did learn about perspective and color mixing during that time.  I had a real eye opener though in high school with a great art teacher who changed my life.  She exposed me to many forms, styles and processes.  While painting watercolor she pushed me constantly, saying “loosen up”.  I was trying to be exact and copy everything I saw.  Now I realize painting is an expression of how we individually view the subject, using information we have gained our whole life long.

Color, light, shadows, contrast!!  All these words excite me as an artist.  I use shapes, color and negative space to express myself.  That is easier than words.

I have had the privilege of taking some workshops and classes along the way but I have had to forge my way on my own for the most part.  I am constantly looking around me at the artwork of other artists old and new for inspiration and direction in my own creating process.

Being an artist is an everlasting quest to produce the best.  You never reach your full potential (I am convinced).  My mission is to paint, paint and paint some more.  Every time I try I want to produce the best painting I have ever completed!  (There are some flops along the way.)